Joseph A. Eccles, 73; Retired To County From Long Island

COOPERSTOWN – Joseph A. Eccles, 73, who retired to the Cooperstown area after 30 years with UPS, died Tuesday April 17, 2018 at Bassett Hospital in the company of his loving family.

Born in Glen Cove, L.I., he grew up in Glen Head and graduated from North Shore High School in the Class of 1962. He enlisted in the Army in 1965, serving his country until 1971. He married Ellen Wapniarski in Westbury in 1987. They moved to the Cooperstown area in 2000, residing on Route 80, Town of Otsego.

Joe worked as a small-package delivery driver for UPS for 30 years. He was a passionate golfer, loved all types of sports, and was a devoted Mets fan following the move of his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles. An avid reader, he especially loved history and autobiographies.

Joseph is survived by his wife Ellen; two sons, Michael of Hicksville and Donald (Georgiann) of Levittown; and one grandson, Jason, also of Levittown. He is also survived by a brother, Thomas (Betty Lou) of Orient, Suffolk County, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.

Calling hours at 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Tillapaugh Funeral Home, 28 Pioneer St., Cooperstown. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the care of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.